Interspecific tree named: &#39;wescot&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Fruit ripening in the early maturity season of mid to late May. 2. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 3. Heavy and regular bearer of fruit. 4. Fruit with an attractive orange flesh and skin color. 5. Relatively uniform ripening of fruit throughout the tree. 6. Fruit with good balance between acid and sugar.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our activities that the present variety of interspecifictree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of plum and apricot trees, which are knownto us, and mentioned herein, are ‘Royal Zee’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No.5,486), ‘Red Beaut’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,539), ‘PA7005-8’ Apricot(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,034), and ‘Tri-Gem’ Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No.6,755).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of interspecific tree [((Prunusarmeniaca×(Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca))×Prunus salicina)×Prunusarmeniaca] was developed by us in our experimental orchard located nearModesto, Calif. as a first generation cross between our proprietaryinterspecific tree ‘58EF33’ and ‘PA7005-8’ Apricot (U.S Plant Pat. No.7,034). The maternal parent ‘58EF33’ was originated by us from crossesbetween the following proprietary selections and varieties; apricot‘15W297’, plumcot ‘4G1180’, ‘Red Beaut’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,539)and ‘Royal Zee’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,486). A large number ofthese seedlings from this first generation cross were budded to oldertrees of ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented) to accelerate rapid fruitproduction for evaluation. Under close observation, one such seedlingexhibited desirable fruit characteristics in the early maturity seasonand was selected in 2000 for additional asexual propagation andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecifictree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety of interspecific tree [((Apricot×Plumcot)×Plum)×Apricot]is large, vigorous, spreading in growth and a regular and productivebearer of large, freestone fruit with very good flavor and eatingquality. The fruit is further characterized by holding firm on the treeafter maturity (shipping ripe) for 7 to 10 days, being relativelyuniform in size and ripening throughout the tree with an attractiveorange skin and flesh color. The tree has a winter chilling requirementof approximately 500 hours at or below 45° F. In comparison to theapricot tree ‘Tri-Gem’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,755), the new variety islarger in size, has higher colored orange flesh and skin color and isapproximately 7 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to the apricotparent ‘PA7005-8’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,034), the new variety issimilar in size, skin and flesh color and is approximately 21 daysearlier in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

Tree

-   Size: Large, pruned in height at maturity to 3 to 3.5 meters for    economical harvesting of fruit.-   Vigor: Vigorous, tree growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in height the first    growing season. Varies with fertility, type of soil and cultural    practices.-   Form: Spreading, crotch angle approximately 37°, angle increases    with heavy crop load.-   Branching habit: Spreading, usually pruned to vase shape to allow    more sunlight and air movement to center of tree to enhance fruit    color and health of fruit spurs.-   Productivity: Productive, normal fruit thinning and spacing    necessary for desired market size fruit set. Varies with climatic    conditions during blooming period.-   Bearer: Regular, adequate fruit set 4 consecutive years. No    alternate bearing observed.-   Fertility: Believed to be partially self fertile, poor set under    bags with no other pollen. Pollinator recommended.-   Density: Medium dense, controlled by pruning.-   Hardiness: Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of California.    Winter chilling requirement approximately 500 hours at or below    45° F. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9.

Trunk

-   Size: Medium. Average circumference 48.9 cm at 20.3 cm above ground    on a 6 year old tree.-   Stocky: Medium stocky.-   Texture: Medium shaggy, gets rougher with age.-   Color: Varies from 7.5YR 6/2 to 7.5YR 5/2.

Branches

-   Size: Medium. Average circumference 15.4 cm at 1.1 meters above    ground.-   Surface texture: New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth medium    rough.-   Lenticels: Average number of 22 in a 25.8 square cm surface of    branch. Large. Average length 4.4 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color    varies from 7.5YR 7/6 to 10YR 8/6.-   Color: New growth varies from 10Y 6/6 to 2.5YR 3/6, varies with    degree of direct sunlight. Mature growth varies from 5YR 3/4 to    7.5YR 3/4.

Leaves

-   Size: Medium to large. Average length 78.0 mm. Average width 65.0    mm.-   Form: Ovate.-   Apex: Cuspidate.-   Base: Obtuse.-   Margin: Serrulate.-   Thickness: Medium.-   Surface texture: Upper surface relatively smooth, slightly indented    over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface relatively smooth, small    ridges created by midrib and pinnate venation. Both surfaces    glabrous.-   Petiole: Size medium. Average length 33.2 mm. Average width 1.8 mm.    Grooved longitudinally. Surface glabrous. Color varies from 5GY 7/4    on new leaves, turning 5R 2/8 as leaf matures.-   Glands: Reniform. Medium. Average length 0.8 mm. Average diameter    0.6 mm. Average number 2, varies from 1 to 3. Located primarily on    upper portion of petiole and base of leaf blade. Color varies from    5GY 5/6 to 5GY 4/6.-   Color: Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/4 to 5GY 3/6. Lower surface    varies from 5GY 5/4 to 5GY 4/4. Midvein color varies from 5GY 7/4 on    new leaves, turning to 5R 4/6 on mature leaves.

Flower Buds

-   Size: Medium. Average length 13.9 mm. Average diameter 8.2 mm.-   Hardiness: Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of California.-   Form: Conical, becoming elongated before opening.-   Pedicel: Short. Average length 2.2 mm. Average width 1.7 mm. Color    varies from 2.5GY 8/4 to 5GY 7/6.-   Color: Varies from 5RP 7/8 to 7.5RP 9/2.-   Number of buds per spur: Average 5, varies from 2 to 9.

Flowers

-   Size: Medium to large. Average height 15.0 mm. Average diameter 25.9    mm.-   Petals: Number — 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size — medium.    Average length 13.2 mm. Average width 14.2 mm. Form — orbicular.    Margin — sinuate. Both surfaces glabrous. Color varies from 7.5RP    9/2 to 10RP 9/2.-   Sepals: Number — 5, alternately arranged to petals. Shape —    triangular, apex pointed. Margin — entire. Size — medium. Average    length 6.3 mm. Average width 5.1 mm. Color — upper surface varies    from 10Y 6/6 to 5R 3/8. Lower surface varies from 2.5R 3/8 to 5R    2/8. Both surfaces glabrous.-   Stamens: Average number per flower — 29. Filament — average length    10.2 mm. Filament color N 9.5/. Anther color varies from 5Y 8/10 to    7.5Y 8/8.-   Pollen: Present. Very little set under bag. Believed to be only    partially self fertile, pollinator recommended. Color varies from    2.5Y 7/8 to 5Y 7/10.-   Pistil: Usually 1, varies from 1 to 2. Surface — pubescent. Average    length 11.7 mm. Average height compared to stamens, 1.3 mm below    anthers. Color varies from 10Y 9/4 to 10Y 8.5/6.-   Fragrance: Heavy aroma.-   Blooming period: Date of First Bloom Feb. 25, 2003. Date of Petal    Fall Mar. 4, 2003, varies with climatic conditions.-   Color: Varies from 7.5RP 9/2 to 10RP 9/2, fades with age of flower.-   Number flowers per flower bud: Average 2, varies from 1 to 3.-   Pedicel: Average length 2.3 mm. Average width 1.9 mm. Color varies    from 5GY 9/2 to 5GY 8/4.

Fruit

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe.-   Date of first picking: May 21, 2003.-   Date of last picking: May 27, 2003, varies slightly with climatic    conditions.-   Size: Large. Average diameter axially 61.9 mm. Average transversely    in suture plane 58.6 mm. Average across suture plane 54.9 mm.    Average weight 115.0 grams, varies slightly with fertility of the    soil, amount of thinning and climatic conditions.-   Form: Nearly globose, slightly elongated and compressed in suture    plane.-   Suture: Shallow, distinct, extends from base to apex.-   Ventral surface: Lipped, well sealed.-   Apex: Varies from rounded to slightly retuse.-   Base: Varies from flat to slightly retuse.-   Cavity: Nearly rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.    Average depth 5.6 mm. Average diameter 8.0 mm.

Stem

-   Size: Small. Average length 6.1 mm. Average diameter 3.2 mm.-   Color: Varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 2.5GY 6/8.

Flesh

-   Ripens: Evenly.-   Texture: Firm.-   Fibers: Few, small, tender.-   Firmness: Firm, with greater firmness than most commercial apricots.-   Aroma: Slight, apricot aroma.-   Amydgalin: Undetected.-   Eating quality: Very good.-   Flavor: Very good, good balance between acid and sugar.-   Juice: Moderate, enhances flavor.-   Brix: Average 16.1°, varies slightly with amount of fruit per tree    and climatic conditions.-   Color: Varies from 6.25YR 7/14 to 6.25YR 7/12. Pit cavity varies    from 6.25YR 6/12 to 5YR 6/12.

Skin

-   Thickness: Medium.-   Surface: Smooth.-   Down: Moderate amount, very short.-   Tendency to crack: None.-   Color: Varies from 5YR 6/10 to 5YR 5/12, surface exposed to direct    sunlight varies from 10R 5/12 to 10R 5/14.-   Tenacity: Tenacious to flesh.-   Astringency: Very slight to none.

Stone

-   Type: Freestone.-   Size: Large. Average length 31.8 mm. Average width 24.8 mm. Average    thickness 13.4 mm.-   Form: Ovoid.-   Base: Flat.-   Apex: Very slightly pointed. Average length 0.2 mm.-   Surface: Slightly pitted throughout, pit cavities vary from round to    elongated. Very shallow, narrow furrows starting at base extending    toward apex for short distances. Two narrow furrows on each side of    suture extending from base to apex.-   Sides: Varies from equal to unequal with one side extending further    from suture plane.-   Ridges: One small, narrow ridge on each side of stone created by    furrows near the suture, extending from base to apex.-   Tendency to split: None.-   Color: Varies from 7.5YR 6/4 to 10YR 5/4 when dry.

Kernal

-   Form: Ovoid.-   Viability: Viable, complete embryo development.-   Size: Large. Average length 19.4 mm. Average width 13.8 mm. Average    depth 6.6 mm.-   Skin: Color varies from 7.5YR 6/6 to 7.5YR 4/8 when dry.

Use

-   Dessert. Market — local and long distance.

Keeping Quality

-   Good, held firm in cold storage 2 weeks at 38° to 42° F. without    internal breakdown or appreciable loss of flavor.

Shipping Quality

-   Good, minimal bruising of flesh or skin scarring during picking and    packing trials.

Plant/Fruit Disease Resistance/Susceptibility

-   No specific testing for relative plant/fruit disease    resistance/susceptibility has been designed. Under close observation    during planting, growing and harvesting of fruit, under normal    cultural and growing conditions near Modesto, Calif., no particular    plant/fruit disease resistance or susceptibility has been observed.    Any variety observed during indexing of plant characteristics with    abnormal fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is    destroyed and eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous,spreading growth and being a productive and regular bearer of large,freestone fruit with very good flavor and eating quality; the fruit isfurther characterized by having an attractive orange flesh and skincolor, holding firm on the tree 7 to 10 days after maturity (shippingripe) and being relatively uniform in size throughout the tree.